Indeed, the various members of the Patterson lab also suggested that said issues with increased gut permeability might also be 'modified' by the introduction of Bacteroides fragilis via a proposed effect on the the levels of a uremic compound called 4-ethylphenylsulfate.

As perhaps would be expected, there are few other details to discuss about the paper outside of what has already been seen. We know that the work included pregnant mice who were immune challenged by a mock virus. We know a little more about the types of mouse behaviours that were observed as a result of being a MIA offspring and which seemed to be affected by the introduction of B. fragilis. And we know some more details about the effect of feeding B. fragilis on 4-ethylphenylsulfate levels. Actually, there are two pretty good interpretations of the study on the SFARI site (here) and the Autism Speaks site (here).

We still also know that this was a study of mice and not humans and that questions remain about how and why gut bacteria seemed to affect gut permeability and the relationship to presented behaviours. These points certainly merit me repeating my oft-cited caveat on this blog about not giving medical or clinical advice.

Still, this work (if and when replicated) potentially represents another turning point when it comes to our understanding about the autisms. It further suggests autism, some types of autism, might not just soley be a 'brain-based' condition*** but rather a more multi-organ condition. Indeed, if we're talking about that 'gut-brain axis' which has been banded about for a good few years now with autism in mind, the mouse findings imply that altering parameters in the gut may very well have an impact on presented behaviour as per the interest in dietary intervention and autism for example (see here).

ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS

Autism or autism spectrum conditions describe several presentations characterised by core issues with social affect and stereotyped or repetitive actions. Diagnosis is made by observation and analysis of developmental history. These are heterogeneous conditions which can carry various co-morbidities and whilst described as life-long are affected by age and maturation. Autism means different things to different people. To some it means a need for life-long support. To others it is part of the varied tapestry of humanity. To all it means a need to foster a welcoming society with appropriate support and opportunities.